DELIGHT turned to disappointment for Salford City in the first week of their Moore and Company Construction Solicitors League first division campaign.

They made a dream start to the season by defeating Glossop North End 4-2 on their own patch on Saturday.

But they lost by that same scoreline on Tuesday despite playing more slick football against second division champions and promotion favourites Cammell Lairds.

After conceding two early goals, City responded by giving their all against an impressive home side, pulling a goal back when Lee Bowles poked the ball into the back of the net following a free kick midway through the first half.

It might have been even better for Gary Fellows' side when Simon Myerscough played a square ball across the penalty area with the home goalkeeper stranded. But John Robinson failed to connect cleanly and the ball slipped agonisingly wide of the post.

Salford paid the price for that miss within a minute of the restart when Ronnie Morgan scored his second goal but City continued to dig deep and compete in all departments.

With time ticking away and City committed in attack, Lairds countered quickly and Morgan completed his hat-trick.

But Salford had the last word when substitute Aitor Bello lobbed the ball home to reduce the arrears.

Salford had no such troubles picking up the points on offer at Glossop.

Glossop's ground is never an easy place to go to but Salford made their intentions clear as early as the second minute when they took the lead.

A long ball from Bowles put Robinson in behind the defence and he confidently placed his shot past home goalkeeper Stuart Williams.

Robinson went on to claim a hat-trick for Salford, who boasted nine local players in their starting line-up.

He dispatched Wes Bancroft's cross from close range and rounded the goalkeeper after collecting a terrible back pass.

Salford's other goal scorer was Andrew Pendlebury, who netted with a deflected long range shot.

City entertain St Helens Town at Moor Lane on Saturday, August 20, kick-off 3pm, before travelling to Newcastle Town on Tuesday, August 23, kick-off 7.45pm.